Summer Is For Blueberries

Now is the time to stock up

If you're pale-complexioned and going bald -- and I am; thanks for noticing -- summer gets tougher each year. Once you've faced the indignity of slathering your scalp with sunblock, the season's childhood magic dissipates.

Except where blueberries are concerned.

Much of the year, blueberries come in tiny plastic boxes -- the Tiffany earrings of the produce section. But for a few weeks in mid-summer, these tart little sapphires suddenly become affordable.And you'll find few deals better than this season's Whole Foods one-day blueberry sale: Organic blueberries shipped from North Carolina will be $1.99/pint at the East Liberty store on Fri., June 17.

"I can't even tell you how many pallets we've secured," I was told by a produce-department manager. "But I wouldn't wait around until evening to pick some up."

If you know how, this recipe is suitable for canning (the acidity of lemon and berry makes pectin unnecessary). What better way to stretch out the summer for another few weeks -- without having to apply more sunblock?